Genre
Drama
Language
English and Spanish
Setting and Context
Los Angeles, during World War II
Narrator and Point of View
The primary narrator is El Pachuco, and the primary point of view is that of Henry Reyna.
Tone and Mood
Mythical, fantastical, political, tense, dramatic.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Protagonist is Henry Reyna, Antagonist is Rafas and the white authorities/cops
Major Conflict
The major conflict concerns Henry and the other members of the 38th Street Gang getting wrongfully imprisoned and sentenced to life imprisonment for murder. The sentencing is clearly motivated by racist logic, and the gang members must fight for their freedom with the help of some key activists.
Climax
The climax occurs when the gang members are released from prison.
Foreshadowing
Alice and Henry's affair is foreshadowed by her stating that she believes they will be great friends.
Understatement
Henry and the other boys' feelings are often understated or covered up by a macho laissez-faire attitude.
Allusions
Allusions to Chicano culture, popular culture (figures like Rita Hayworth and Cecil B. DeMille)
Imagery
Much of the set is made out of newspaper; El Pachuco is stripped during the Zoot Suit riots.
Paradox
The multiple endings present something of a paradox, as the audience doesn't get a clear perspective on what happens to Henry.
Parallelism
The characters Alice, Della, and Bertha parallel one another. El Pachuco and Henry are also aligned.
Personification
The Press itself is personified as an actor onstage and a chorus of voices at different times.
Use of Dramatic Devices
Direct address to the audience; multiple endings.
